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Princeton Kentucky

OK, It has been in the upper 40,s and low-mid 50's @ night and barely out of the 60's-low 70's during the day for the past 2 weeks now. I have been letting the 291 & 297 Kents be exposed to the sun for around 3-4 hours a day to warm up and then putting the small tunnels over them for shade with blankets. Question, Should I be doing this or not or something better to help them with the cool nights. They are still grow pretty well. Wiegh off is on the 28th sept. Thanks for any advice. Joseph

9/16/2014 1:28:12 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

From the subject line, I thought this would be a "R" rated thread. I'm no expert on watermelons, but if it seems to be working I would keep on doing it.

9/16/2014 2:35:50 PM

Springfield, VT

I like to expose all my fruits to the air to keep the skins dry and to dry the sheets/blankets. Dampness leads to rot.

9/16/2014 2:48:47 PM

Watervalley Ms

YES AT THOSE TEMPS. MAY ALSO WANT TO COVER IT WITH PLASTIC ALL THE WAY TO THE GROUND ALL THE WAY AROUND. LIKE ITS ON PERSONAL GREEN HOUSE AND it WILL GET the heat from the ground.

9/16/2014 5:05:29 PM

formerly RGG

Covering is mostly for moisture protection I think. Also, during the long summer days when the sun is high these giants can easily burn. Right now though the sun is not getting so high in the sky. So I too am exposing my melons for all the world to see. LOL I think a little sunshine helps to warm them up and helps them to get good color. If this is a bad practice someone will have to provide a convincing reason and I will start keeping mine covered up.But I am fairly sure it isn't hurting anything this time of the year.

9/16/2014 5:23:07 PM

sevierville, Tn

I wish i could give an answer. I know they don't like the cold at all. So if it warms them its good i guess. I may try that one one if the rain gets gone.

9/16/2014 5:41:01 PM

Wixom MI.

Stop exposing your mellons for everyone to see ! Keep those babys covered up ! Wait till the weigh offs, and then you can expose your mellons all you won't !!! Lol........... :-)

9/16/2014 6:06:56 PM

Watervalley Ms

covering the melon with plastic before night will help hold the heat in until the next day.

9/16/2014 9:08:04 PM

Princeton Kentucky

Seems to be working ok, TD, I'm glad I'm not the only one,lol. Wixom, I just can't help myself,lol. Thanks for the input ALL. I may call M E Anonymous

9/17/2014 6:04:20 PM